Melrose Hill's Transformation into Los Angeles' Sizzling Art Hub
Savin' LA: How an Art-Lover's Dream Transformed Melrose Hill
On a glorious SoCal afternoon, a hundred art aficionados strolled through middle LA's swanky new Diane Arbus exhibit at David Zwirner's gleaming 30,000 sq ft art mecca. As the event came to an end, they spilled out onto the streets, swarming the heart of Melrose Hill - one of the hippest and rapidly evolving art districts in the world.
Just a few years ago, Melrose Hill was mainly recognized for its rows of furniture stores. But when online retailers swallowed up the market, traditional businesses packed up and left, handing the neighborhood a mountain of vacant buildings[1]. But all that changed when visionary local developer Zach Lasry, son of billionaire businessman Marc Lasry, saw the untapped potential of the area.
In 2019, Lasry and his family snapped up 18 buildings in a three-block radius, drawn in by the architectural charm reminiscent of NYC's Bowery, which Lasry claimed resembled a single-use street for the furniture industry[2]. The Bowery's transformation, from a scrappy, industrial area to the bustling arts district it is today, was an inspiration for Lasry, who envisioned something similar for Melrose Hill.
Robert Goff, charged with setting up David Zwirner's West Coast outpost, agreed. "We didn't want to be in Beverly Hills. That's not really our brand," Goff explained. "David said, 'I want to be somewhere artist-facing,' meaning a place that's convenient for the working artists who live in LA's more creative enclaves[2]."
Centrally located in LA, Melrose Hill has become an ideal spot for art-starved westside bigwigs and cash-rich eastside creators to schmooze and check out the latest masterpieces. More galleries moved in around the same time as Zwirner, including standouts like Morán Morán, Clearing, and Château Shatto[1]. Emma Fernberger, an established art dealer from the Big Apple, even planted her flag at 747 Western, across from famed Italian restaurant Ètra and its sister establishment Café Telegrama.
The synergy between the newly minted art district residents has been a game-changer. "Zach had such a good intuition about this neighborhood, and he developed it with care and good taste," Fernberger gushed. "I couldn't be luckier to have Ètra and Café Telegrama as neighbors[1]."
Lasry's vision extended beyond the galleries, designating each location its own unique visual identity to prevent the area from becoming a chain-store haven. That's certainly the case at Bar Etoile, the chic, Parisian bistro nestled between Zwirner and Fernberger at 632 Western. Pristine stucco gave way to stunning entrances, leading to a horseshoe-shaped zinc bar, sultry blue banquettes, and a striking wall adorned with playful ceramic trays by Anthony Dominici[1].
Lasry even revitalized the Mecca of produce, Produce For Less, which closed in 2023 when its owners retired. The space was transformed into LA Grocery and Café, a bespoke market and café that has become the heart of the neighborhood[1].
The arrival of gourmet Italian deli Ggiata and jazzy fried chicken spot Le Coupe further cemented Melrose Hill as the go-to spot for a gourmet food crawl among art aficionados[1]. trendsetters, and foodies alike.
Now, Chef Brian Baik's highly anticipated Corridor 109 fine-dining restaurant is serenading the district with the symphony of 12-courses of delectable, chef-curated hellos[2]. Baik, no stranger to the area, having grown up near Kobawoo House, a famous Koreatown institution, has woven the threads of history and innovation together, turning Melrose Hill into a shining beacon on LA's ever-evolving cultural landscape.
And while the vibrant community has already come quite a long way, Lasry knows there's still more reinvention to be had. He muses, "Growing up in NY, you learn that you can have all kinds of different things next to each other, and it makes it more interesting. You don't need to have a theme for a street. You can just have people with ideas all around each other. Then, you can't predict what's going to happen next[2]."
To keep up with all the latest and greatest from this delightful district, sign up for our daily round-up of arts, design, and culture stories from around the globe. Who knows? Maybe your next treasure hunt will lead you to a hidden gem in the heart of Melrose Hill. Don't forget your walking shoes!
The Art District Grows, One Slice at a Time
Online retailing may have played a role in the whimsical transformation of Melrose Hill. However, local developers and entrepreneurs, like the visionary Zach Lasry, have turned a once-sleepy industrial area into a hotbed of art, culture, and taste[3]. Their passion, creativity, and good old-fashioned hustle have given birth to an urban oasis for artists, foodies, and culture enthusiasts of all stripes[3].
From the revitalization of landmark establishments like Produce For Less to the appearance of cutting-edge new businesses like Corridor 109, Melrose Hill is a fascinating testament to the resilience and adaptability of a neighborhood on the rise. And with more and more creatives catching wind of the area, what started as a dream has turned into a veritable paradise for those in search of inspiration, connection, and excellent eats[3].
As Emma Fernberger wisely remarks, "Always allow a little bit more time than you think you need around here. There's so much popping up, you always find something new that wasn't on your itinerary[1]." So pack your walking shoes, grab your sunscreen, and set course for Melrose Hill - there's art to be discovered, and great food to be devoured!
- Melrose Hill, once known for its furniture stores, has evolved into a vibrant art, culture, and lifestyle hub, attracting art aficionados, foodies, and trendsetters alike.
- The district's transformation is a testament to the passion and creativity of local developers like Zach Lasry, who have revitalized landmarks and introduced cutting-edge businesses.
- Fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, entertainment, and sports enthusiasts will find a wealth of options in Melrose Hill, making it an ideal destination for those seeking new experiences and discoveries.
